One of the most revered pickup truck nameplates, the Toyota Hilux, is set to return to the Japanese market for the first time since 2004. When Toyota discontinued the 1997-introduced model in Japan, it was the last generation to be sold or built there; the following generation was predominantly Thailand-built.

The newest and eighth generation was introduced in 2015. Originally, the Hilux name dates back almost 50 years — 17.3 million Hilux trucks have been built since 1968.

In addition to the Hilux, Toyota is also giving attention to its Land Cruiser and FJ Cruiser models. The Land Cruiser Prado, its most recent complete redesign from 2009, has received a modest facelift that also stretches to the interior. Tech-wise, the Land Cruiser series will now be using a Torsen limited slip differential for the first time, in the refreshed Prado. (In the U.S., the Lexus GX is heavily based on its Prado cousin.)

As for the FJ Cruiser, it is still being made — but only just. The left-hand-drive versions ceased production two years ago, but the RHD FJ soldiers on, and the retro-styled truck has now been given a "Final Edition" specification in Japan. To dial up the retro, the Final Edition FJ Cruiser is beige to the core, and it also benefits from a new set of 20-inch wheels.

The Japanese Hilux will only be available with a 2.4-liter diesel four, which befits its workhorse image. The Prado's powertrain options are either a 2.7-liter gasoline engine or a 2.8-liter diesel, both four-cylinder, and the sole engine option for the FJ is the four-liter gasoline V6.

US President Donald Trump, who has just begun a state visit to Japan, says trade between the two countries can be made fairer.Trump attended a dinner with Japanese and US business leaders at the US Ambassador's residence after arriving at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Saturday.

A strong earthquake has struck eastern Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency says the quake occurred in and around Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo. Hardest hit areas registered an intensity of 5 minus on the Japanese scale of 0 to 7.The magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck southern Chiba at 3:20 p.m. on...more

Tokyo police are beefing up security ahead of the state visit of US President Donald Trump. They are deploying a record number of officers for any visiting US president.Trump is due to arrive at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Saturday evening. He will stay for four days.

The VIP room of a Japanese government plane that was taken out of service in March has been shown to the media for the first time.The Boeing 747 was used by prime ministers, Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko for 26 years from 1993.

All Nippon Airways debuted flights of a double-decker Airbus A380 from Narita Airport north of Tokyo, bound for Hawaii on Friday.The aircraft is one of the largest in the world, measuring 72 meters long and two stories high along its entire length. It has 520 seats -- more than double the average...more

In this week's Autoblog Podcast, Editor-in-Chief Greg Migliore is joined by Associate Editor Joel Stocksdale and Assistant Editor Zac Palmer. They kick off the podcast discussing the cars they've been driving in the office including the 2019 Buick Regal TourX, 2019 Honda Civic Touring, 2020 Kia...more